Today Boeing is to launch the first flight of its new 747-8 Freighter
By Chris Farnell
The Boeing 747-8 is a widebody commercial airliner, first announced in 2005. The 747-8 is the latest evolutionary variant of the Boeing 747, with lengthened fuselage, redesigned wings and improved efficiency. The plane is being considered as a replacement for Airforce One.
Boeing completed taxi tests on the first 747-8 Freighter on Saturday. With Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein at the controls, the airplane reached a top speed of approximately 90 knots (103.5 mph).
"The airplane performed well," said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Based on early indications, the airplane is ready to fly."
This was the last functional test planned before first flight, which will take place later today.
Edited by Jennifer Denby
Source: http://www.newairplane.com/